Orange marmalade rose plant

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniature rose class, which was originated by my crossing Gingersnap as seed parent and Orange Honey as pollen parent; characterized by a vivid orange-gold shingle-like bloom accented by a striking deep yellow center and corresponding deep yellow at the point of attachment. The flowers are produced singly and in miniature grandiflora-type sprays on vigorous, upright plants having very attractive deep green, waxy foliage. Fragrance is slightly fruity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the miniature rose class named "Orange Marmalade," which wasoriginated by my crossing as seed parent as unnamed seedling of"Gingersnap" (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,330) and the rose known as "OrangeHoney" as pollen parent.

Among the novel characteristics possessed by this new variety whichdistinguishes it from all other varieties of which I am aware are:

1. Flowers of deep orange gold, possessing an almost fluorescentcharacteristic, with yellow at base of reverse.

2. The full, round buds are slightly cupped and open to flowersapproximately 11/4 to 11/2". Flowers open in a shingle-like arrangementof ovoid petals which do not recurl. The flower is a vibrant orange-goldwith a large yellow open center when bloom is fully mature.

3. This medium-sized plant produces its flowers singly and in miniaturegrandiflora-type sprays.

4. The plant is sturdy, vigorous and upright with large, dark green,waxy foliage, growing 12-18" in height.

5. The vibrant orange blooms emit a light fruity fragrance.

Asexual reproduction by budding of the new variety as performed inSilver Spring, Md., and West Grove., Pa., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagation.

The new and improved rose variety which I have developed is a vibrantorange-gold flower, opening in a shingle-like arrangement with a largeyellow center. Outer edges of petals turn a burnished red in sunlight.Blooms are borne singly on long, strong cutting canes, and in miniaturegrandiflora-type sprays. This sturdy plant is vigorous and upright, andenhanced by excellent, large, dark green, waxy foliage. The vibrantorange of the blooms makes the plant ideal for color accents in thegarden and in arrangements.

The accompanying drawing shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with the Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (RHSCC). The terminology used in color description herein refersto plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart, e.g., "32-A" isplate 32-A of the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart.

Parentage: Seedling.

Seed parent.--An unnamed seedling of "Gingersnap".

Pollen parent.--"Orange Honey".

Class: Miniature.

The following observations are made of specimens grown outdoors atSilver Spring, Md. and West Grove, Pa. during the months of June throughSeptember.

FLOWER

Blooming habit: Continuous.

A. Bud:

(1) Size.--Medium.

(2) Form.--Full, round and slightly cupped.

(3) Color.--When sepals first divide: near 34-A. When petals begin tounfurl, blending to 20-B at the point of attachment.

(4) Sepals.--Extends well beyond bud.

(5) Peduncle.--Length 31/4-31/2 cm. Aspect--straight. Strength--heavy.Color.--146-A.

B. Bloom:

(1) Size.--11/4 to 11/2.

(2) Borne.--Individually and in miniature grandiflora-type sprays.

(3) Form.--Opening flat, with petals arranged in a shingle-like effect.

(4) Petalage.--16-18.

(5) Color.--During first two days. Center of Flower -- near 20-B. Outerpetals near 32-C. Base of petals: near 20-B. Reverse of petals -- near32-B blending to 20-B.

(6) Color change.--General tonality from a distance is a vibrant orangegold accented by a bright yellow center. Color is well maintained.

C. Petals:

(1) Texture.--Thick.

(2) Appearance.--Satiny.

(3) Form.--Ovoid with a moderate tip.

(4) Arrangement.--Regularly arranged shingle-like overlay.

(5) Petaloids in center.--Few.

(6) Persistence.--Drops off cleanly.

(7) Fragrance.--Light fruity fragrance.

(8) Lasting quality.--6-10 days on plant, 3-5 days as cut flower.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

A. Stamens, anthers: Irregularly arranged around styles.

(1) Color.--Yellow-orange, near to 21-B.

B. Pollen: Color is a golden yellow, near to 10-A.

C. Styles: Thin, medium length.

D. Stigmas:

Color.--Orange-red -- 14-C.

E. Hips: Green and globular, ripening to bright orange.

PLANT

A. Form: Upright.

B. Growth: Very vigorous.

Height attained.--12-18 in.

C. Foliage: Compound of 5 to 7 leaflets.

(1) Size.--Large.

(2) Quantity.--Abundant.

(3) Color.--New foliage: upper side -- 131-A, under side -- 138-B. Oldfoliage: upper side -- 131-B, under side -- 138-C.

(4) Shape.--Oval, pointed.

(5) Texture.--Upper side -- glossy, smooth. Under side -- rough anddull.

(6) Edge.--Serrated.

(7) Serration.--6 per cm.

(8) Leaf stem.--Color -- 137-C; under side -- 137-D.

(9) Stipules.--Medium and bearded.

D. Wood:

(1) New wood.--Color -- 137-B. Bark -- smooth.

(2) Old wood.--Color -- 137-C. Bark -- smooth.

E. Thorns:

(1) Thorns.--Quantity: on main stalks from base -- ordinary; on lateralsfrom stalk -- very few. Form: flat base, pointed slightly downward.Length: long. Color when young -- 165-A. Position: irregular.

(2) Prickles.--Quantity: On main stalks -- few; on laterals -- none.

F. Plant's disease resistance:

(1) Mildew.--Outstanding.

(2) Blackspot.--Outstanding.

(3) Rust.--None observed.

G. Winter hardiness: Completely winter hardy.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniaturerose class, substantially as shown and described, characterizedparticularly as to novelty by its vibrant orange-gold petals arranged ina shingle-like arrangement, blending to a large deep yellow center, witha corresponding deep yellow at the point of attachment; its large, waxy,dark-green foliage; its habit of blooming singly on long, strong cuttingcanes and in miniature grandiflora-type sprays; its light fruityfragrance; its vigorous habit of growth and hardiness; and good holdingquality.